Despite damage to roads, FEMA is not an option in Winchester

WINCHESTER — It’s too early to know the cost of repairing the destruction caused to roads by heavy rains July 15, but it is known that it will not reach the $1.8 million threshold for Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, said Town Administrator Shelly Walker Wednesday.

“As of yet, there is no funding. There is not going to be any FEMA funds. We’re on our own right now,” Walker said. “We’re still reaching out to other agencies for hazard mitigation money, it’s kind of like indirect FEMA.”

The cost of the repairs are still being assessed, but it is not expected to exceed $1 million, she said. Winchester was the only town affected by the rainstorm, she said.

July 15 heavy rains washed out several town roads, stranding more than 90 families.

The worst hit roads were Purcell Road and Old Westport Road.

Three homes at the top of Purcell Road are still only accessible by foot, Walker said, but crews are expected to grind up and reclaim the ripped up asphalt Friday.

And as of Wednesday morning, the 150 feet of missing roadway on Westport Road was filled in, she said.

Along with federal funds, town officials are also looking at several sources of state funding to help pay for the damage, including a possible Community Block grant, she said.